Building Companies, Changing Lives
Issue 9- September 2013
Institute Funds 20th Startup Company
This month the Institute finalized a funding agreement with OBMedical Company, a Newberry-based medical device company commercializing technology jointly developed by the University of Florida and biomedical engineering firm Convergent Engineering. The LaborView™ sensor system, the company’s initial product, is a wireless, electrode-based, electronic maternal-fetal monitor sensor replacement system that measures labor contractions and the heart rates of both mother and child. The LaborView™ sensor system will replace current outdated sensors with more accurate, reliable, and comfortable sensors, enabling a safer and more cost-effective obstetric monitoring system with greater patient satisfaction. For more information, visit here.
Central Florida Event Sparks Inspiration and Innovation
Members of the entrepreneurial ecosystem gathered on August 27th to attend 3Q Venture Pitch Orlando, an event hosted by Florida Venture Sourcing. The event was crafted for early-stage technology companies to gain visibility with Florida investors and mentors, and Institute CEO Jamie Grooms participated as the keynote speaker. Following Grooms’ remarks on how to start and build a successful company, four early-stage companies presented to a panel of local judges. Gainesville startup TapShield took home first prize for best presentation.
Featured Leadership Circle Member: Oswald Companies
Oswald Insurance is one of the largest independently-owned insurance brokerages in the U.S. working with FDA regulated companies who wish to commercialize their products or services. They enable leaders of highly regulated organizations to identify and navigate risks associated with their enterprises and provide insight into risks that companies will face as they grow. To learn more about their services, please view their video.
Institute-assisted Company Chosen for Healthbox Program
eTect was one of seven Florida companies selected to participate in Healthbox, a business accelerator program that supports healthcare technology companies. Entrepreneurs chosen to participate engage in a 16-week program receive structured, customized support designed to address the unique challenges of starting a business in healthcare. Startups also gain $50,000 in seed capital, industry context, user insight, market traction, mentorship, and guidance for fundraising and growth.
eTect has created the ID-Cap, a real time, medication adherence monitoring system that includes ingestible wireless sensors and a wrist watch style reader.
AxoGen, Inc (NASDAQ: AXGN), a leader in nerve reconstruction and regeneration, celebrated their move to the NASDAQ exchange in August. Based in Alachua, the company is commercializing a portfolio of technologies that will provide patients and physicians with improved options for the treatment of peripheral nerve injuries.
What are some ways Floridians can make their cities more desirable places to live, work, and play? What are some hot-button issues affecting our communities? How do we invest in our students so that they remain in Florida and contribute to local society?
The Florida NEXT foundation, a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, seeks answers to these questions, and many more, in its mission to provide thought leadership to benefit all Floridians. By empowering young people, entrepreneurs, and small businesses, Florida NEXT helps position the state for a stable and thriving future while promoting the quality of life in the community.
Florida NEXT was created in 2011 by former Florida Chief Financial Officer Alex Sink, who chairs the board of directors. To learn more about Florida NEXT, visit www.floridanext.org.
UCF Hires Assistant VP for Research
The Institute welcomes Michael Macedonia as the new assistant vice president for research and commercialization at the University of Central Florida.
About Us
Founded in 2007 as a non-profit organization, the Institute is Florida's One-Stop-Shop for investors and entrepreneurs who seek to identify new opportunities based on technologies developed through publicly-funded research. The Institute delivers programs that facilitate new venture and job creation through commercially-viable technologies in major industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute administers the Florida Research Commercialization Matching Grant Program launched in 2010, and the Seed Capital Accelerator Program launched in 2011. For more information, visit www.florida-institute.com.